Individual and group peer support for men who have experienced sexual, physical and psychological trauma. Groups are open to men after they have met a peer support facilitator for one to one meetings. Call David Passell on 021 174 9252 or 09 889 2553, email manager@betterblokes.org.nz

WHO plan to include gaming in ICD 11

The World Health Organization plans to include Gaming Disorder (link is external) in the upcoming International Classification of Diseases (link is external) (ICD-11). The contentious debate of whether or not to include the diagnosis persists beyond the WHO’s decision. International scholars seem to agree that a careful, thorough, and research-informed decision-making process is critical. However, experts continue to dispute multiple points of contention:

Can gaming be concerning?

Is Gaming Disorder a distinct diagnosis or simply a symptom of an underlying problem?

Is there sufficient scholarly support to classify Gaming Disorder?

Of the existing literature, is the caliber of the research adequate?

Would a diagnosis help individuals who are affected?

Will the diagnosis perpetuate stigma?

Would the addition cause moral panic?

Speaking, Dave from Unranked Smurfs said, “Gaming can be addictive, people can sit for hours playing games on sites like LoL-Smurfs.com,
but it’s best to follow your habits, and try and stick to a normal life routine. If you find yourself being unable to not play a game, it might be time to change your habits.”